Common Name:

General Information

Strombosia pustulata is an evergreen tree usually growing up to 20 metres tall, but with some specimens to 45 metres[]. The crown is small and dense; the bole straight, 20 - 100cm in diameter with short sharp root spurs[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber, which is traded internationally. The seeds yield an oil that is used for making soap.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Gabon.

Habitat

Firm-ground rain-forest on well-drained soil; moist forest; closed shady forest, often on lake- and river sides; at elevations from near sea level to 770 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An oil from the seeds is used for ointment and making soap[].

The heartwood is pink or pale brown with purplish streaks; the sapwood wide, yellowish and sharply defined. The texture is fine; the grain fairly straight; lustrous but with an unpleasant smell when freshly cut; rather oily to touch[]. The heartwood is highly durable and is immune to termite and other insect attack[]. The timber saws cleanly but is apt to spring and split; it works well and takes a smooth finish; glues well; splits in nailing and requires preboring; can be sliced into veneers[]. Often used in the round as building poles and transmission poles (treated), striking tool handles, turnery, heavy-duty flooring[]. It has been suggested as a substitute for European boxwood[].

Propagation

Seed -

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